Can Scorpion Venom Peptides Be Safely Used in Cardiovascular Therapy: A Systematic Review

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  Can Scorpion Venom Peptides Be Safely Used in Cardiovascular Therapy: A Systematic Review Abstract Scorpion venom contains numerous bioactive peptides with potent cardiovascular effects, including bradykinin-potentiating peptides (BPPs), ion channel modulators, and cardioprotective molecules. These peptides show promise for conditions such as hypertension, cardiac injury, and arrhythmias. However, concerns regarding toxicity, immunogenicity, and off-target actions have limited their clinical development. This systematic review evaluates the therapeutic potential and safety of scorpion venom peptides for cardiovascular applications. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Semantic Scholar identified 1,141 articles. Screening of 463 abstracts and full-text review of 446 eligible studies resulted in 17 publications meeting the inclusion criteria. Extracted data included mechanisms, efficacy, toxicity, and translational challenges. BPPs consistently demonstrated AC...

Revision of the South American Ninetinae genus Guaranita (Araneae, Pholcidae)

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Revision of the South American Ninetinae genus Guaranita (Araneae, Pholcidae)

Abstract


The southern South American genus Guaranita includes tiny spiders (body length ~1 mm) that lead reclusive lives under ground-objects and run rapidly when disturbed.  As a  result,  they have been poorly collected and studied.  Here we report on a  recent collection of  Guaranita spiders from  Argentina, describing one new species (G. auadae Huber sp. nov.) and the previously unknown female of G. dobby Torres et al., 2016. In addition, we provide CO1 barcodes for all (now five) known species, first SEM data, and first chromosome data for the genus. The diploid number of GuaranitagoloboffiHuber, 2000 (2n♂ = 11) is among the lowest in araneomorph spiders with monocentric chromosome structure.


Huber, B. A., Meng, G., Král, J., Ávila Herrera, I. M., & Izquierdo, M. A. (2023). Revision of the South American Ninetinae genus Guaranita (Araneae, Pholcidae). European Journal of Taxonomy, 900(1), 32–80. https://doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2023.900.2301